Metta World Peace may return 12 days after knee surgery

Less than two weeks ago, it looked like World Peace’s season with the Los Angeles Lakers would be over. He had surgery on March 28 to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, and reports said he would be out six weeks. But it looks like World Peace may return for the team’s Tuesday game against the New Orleans Hornets, just 12 days after having surgery.

World Peace participated in 3-on-3 drills with the team Monday. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni told reporters Monday that World Peace was 80-90 percent likely to play. According to 710 ESPN Radio LA’s Beto Duran, World Peace was telling reporters that he will be playing.

World Peace reportedly would not say whether or not he was experiencing pain or discomfort, but he did say he was “ready to go.”

The turn of events is nothing short of stunning. The Lakers have been hurt by injuries all season. Dwight Howard has battled his back problems and a bad shoulder, and Kobe Bryant even called him out for not showing enough urgency. Steve Nash hurt his leg in November, also has dealt with back problems, and recently has been bothered by hip and hamstring problems. Pau Gasol has been out with a plantar fasciitis issue. Even Kobe Bryant missed time with a sprained ankle. Bryant tried returning from that injury quickly, but learned that wasn’t a great idea and had to sit out a week to heal.

It looks like World Peace is trying to show his toughness at a time when the team needs all players available to make a playoff push. The Lakers are a half game out of the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. I can’t imagine World Peace will be effective enough to really help the team, but give him credit for trying.